Relief for Thanamalwila farmers

By Lalin FERNANDOPULLE

The farmers of Thanamalwila could now breathe a sigh of relief as a stable price and market have been assured for their produce.

The mediation of Cargills Ceylon PLC to provide a stable market raised the hopes of thousands of farmers who had been exploited by middlemen.

The setting up of a collection centre, donation of equipment and awarding scholarships to children by Cargills came as a major relief for the farming community in Thanamalwila who lacked basic infrastructure to sustain their livelihoods.

A representative of the Gangeyaya Farmer Association said that Thanamalwila has always been given stepmotherly treatment despite its vast potential for agricultural development."Lack of water is the main obstacle to develop agriculture in this area. Being in the dry zone should not be a barrier as most other areas have been provided irrigation and water supply schemes for cultivation", he said.

Director Suwasevana Boys Orphanage, Fr. Modustus Fernando said there were plans to divert water from Gangeyaya to Kiridioya up to Lunugamvehera via Thanamalwila, but it did not see the light of day."Farmers are expecting water from the Umaoya Irrigation project.If water is provided the farmers could do wonders. Lack of a development plan has been the main hurdle to develop the area", he said.Agriculture Manager, Cargills Ceylon PLC Haridas Fernando said farmers of Thanamalwila had lost hope in agriculture as their produce was yielding little income due to intermediate trading.The company has purchased two million kilograms of produce and given back Rs. 60 million as income to farmers of Gangeyaya during the past two years. Produce of around 50 MT is collected daily from farmers in Thanamalwila.

He said the company plans to set up 100 collection centres throughout the country within the next two years.The company contributes 50 cents on each kilogram of produce purchased from farmers to the Community Development Fund.